Riding Between the Worlds: Expanding Our Potential Through the Way of the Horse by Linda Kohanov

Published by New World Library

Linda Kohanov brings us the sequel to her brilliant book "The Tao of Equus". In Riding Between the Worlds, she continues her journey of discovery. and places the focus more on the Equine Facilitated Therapy that was discussed in the first book. She provides still more examples of what can happen when you place a human and a horse together, and provides great insight into how and why it happens.

Her theories are amazing and extremely thought provoking. The reader can't help but look at horses (and indeed, other animals too) with a heightened awareness. This, along with the first title in the series, is a book that will alter your perceptions, if not your life.

I loved the first book and was quite certain the second book couldn't live up to the same standard. I am happy to say I was proven wrong. This book is every bit as attention grabbing as the first, if not more so. The experiences that people went through as they tried Equine Facilitated Therapy are intense, moving, and often heartbreaking. The reader can't help but be pulled deeply into the content that Linda provides.

I like that many of the theories push the limits that we place on ourselves. I like that she coaxes the reader and encourages them to think past those same limits and if not accept her theories, at least accept the possibility of them. It's one of those books that causes you to feel so much smarter, just for reading it.

Again, Linda Kohanov is definitely one of my favourite author's now. Her writing in both books was simply wonderful and she has a gift for reaching through the pages of the book and touching the reader in a way that is rare, and memorable.

You have to read these books.

Author's website: http://www.taoofequus.com/

The Tao of Equus: A Woman's Journey of Healing and Transformation Through the Way of the Horse by Linda Kohanov

Published by New World Library

Linda Kohanov shares her personal experiences with equine-facilitated therapy and horses in general while mixing them with a wonderful blend of philosophy, mythology and psychology. It all begins with a beautiful black horse named Rasa with whom Linda experiences a spirutual awakening.

What follows is a wild, moving, and intense journey as Linda witnesses the healing effect that horses can have on us when we build the horse-human bond, and shares some of these accounts with the reader.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. While my sister-in-law is crazy about horses, I have never had experience with these beautiful, and often intimidating creatures. I sure didn't expect to reach the last page and find myself with a new respect for horses and those who work with them.

This book tugs at the heartstrings often as you work your way through it's pages. Whether it's the story of Linda and the many horses in her life, or the stories of many people who try equine-facilitated therapy and have their lives forever changed in the most miraculous of ways, this book will capture your heart and give you much food for thought. It did for me at least.

When Linda delves into some of the training methods used with horses, it's inspiring to read her own experiences with that. It's equally devastating to read about the way horses are often taught using methods that teach the horse to fear, and mistreated in other ways too.

This is a great book to read. It's a real eye-opener and regardless of whether you love horses or not when you begin this book, I would be surprised if you didn't love them by the time you reach the last page.

Linda Kohanov has fast become one of my favourite authors. Her writing style is wonderfully fluid and she holds nothing back from the reader. Her raw passion and emotion just leaps off the page. I couldn't wait to read the follow-up book and that will be reviewed next!

Author's website: http://www.taoofequus.com/

The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy -- and Why They Matter by Marc Bekoff

Published by New World Library

Marc Bekoff brings us an insightful look into the often debated subject of whether animals are capable of emotions. To those of us who share our lives with pets, this may seem like a question that can be easily answered. The wagging tail of our dogs as they hear the subtle sounds of their leash being gathered in preparation for a walk. The purring of the cat as they let us know that they like to be stroked or held. These all seem like clear signs of emotion to me, and to the author.

What I don't think of often, are the non-domestic animals. Lions, dolphins, wolves, mice, and countless others. The author brings us some fascinating examples that are truly awe inspiring. Whether it is the lions who rescued a 12 year old girl from her kidnappers, the dolphins who saved 4 swimmers from being eaten by a shark, the magpies who seemed to hold a funeral of sorts for a fallen friend or the many other situations that are defined, one thing is certain, you will never look at animals the same way.

What I found quite disturbing in this book were some of the descriptions of treatment of animals. Often by scientists who, while recognizing that their own pets are capable of feeling emotion, refuse to consider the fact that test subjects are capable of the same. I guess part of it is that it is probably easier to subject these creatures to the testing without having to consider the suffering involved.

The author brings forth a great argument for better treatment of animals in those conditions as well as those who are confined in zoos. It's shocking to learn that some scientists will ignore rules and regulations in order to further their research. Research which often is not helpful since it has been shown that animals who are treated poorly while being studied, often have unreliable results due to stress and trauma. In human terms, it would be something like having no sleep for a week, then catch a bad flu and be feeling at your worst and then having to sit an important exam. You know you wouldn't do as well.

Data has proven that this kind of research has led to medication being tested on animals, being passed through the FDA and then has still led to countless deaths. Adverse drug reactions are the fifth leading cause of death in the US. Maybe it's time to think about more reliable - and humane - testing methods.

This book is a great mix of stories, personal experience and scientific research that will help anyone who reads it, make the right choices and help create a more humane society. It's a fascinating read which caught my attention firmly from the first page and I highly recommend it.

Author's website: http://literati.net/Bekoff

Wisdom Walk: Nine Practices for Creating Peace and Balance from the World's Spiritual Traditions by Sage Bennet PhD

Published by New World Library

In Wisdom Walk, Sage Bennet takes us on a journey of discovery, not only of multiple spiritual traditions but also of ourselves. Nine chapters cover Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Native American Spirituality, Taoism, New Thought and, last but not least a chapter for all traditions.

In this book, the reader can't help but notice the similarities between the traditions. In each chapter we are introduced to practices from that tradition and the benefits they can bring to our lives. Along with the information, personal stories from the author and people in her life bring the book to life and make it so much more inspirational. There are also exercises to follow which I found very interesting and can't wait to try.

I had an idea I was going to like this book but I wasn't aware of just how much. The information is great, the exercises are enlightening and practical. I hadn't realised just how much my own life was hectic, out of control and unbalanced until reading this and noticing how much sounded familiar. I loved that the author doesn't provide a quick fix or hand us easy answers but rather, encourages us to find our way and take our own Wisdom Walk.

There is so much to love about this book. The way it lets us know that it is fine to pause, slow down and take care of ourselves. The way it encourages us to help others in our lives. The way it encourages us to be open minded and respectful of those around us. The way the author doesn't tell us what to think but gives us countless tools so we can explore our own minds and hearts and seek our own answers. I think one of my favourite things though, is the feel of intimacy throughout the book. It isn't something I see often in books of this genre, or at least, not as successfully achieved.

It is easily one of my favourite books in the spirituality genre and one that I know I will refer to time and again, as I begin my own Wisdom Walk and try to implement some of these practices into my life. Highly recommended.

Author's website: http://www.sagebennet.com/

Creativity for Life: Practical Advice on the Artist's Personality and Career from America's Foremost Creativity Coach by Eric Maisel, PhD

Published by New World Library

Eric Maisel's book, Creativity for Life is an exceptionally great read. Whether you are a working artist, an artist in the making, or have an artist in your life, this book provides valuable insight into the artist's personality and the everyday challenges they face. All of these facts are explained in a way which anyone can understand.

In 4 sections, The Challenges of the Artistic Personality, The Challenges of the Work, The Challenges of Relationships, and Strategies and Tactics, Eric Maisel explores so much ground. While it is directed at artists of all kinds, there is much in this book that can be put to use in order to find and achieve balance and growth in all walks of life so I feel personally this book is a great read for everyone.

This book includes a number of exercises for the reader to put into practice which will aid in creating and retaining focus, removal of blocks and resistance as well as learning to discover ourselves with the help of guided writing, and so much more. One of my favourite topics that is touched on is silencing the negative self-talk and learning instead to think and act confidently. Visualization is also discussed and a couple of examples given which I know I will be trying.

I loved that the author included experiences from people he knew, in order to better share his messages. That in itself made his teachings more memorable to me as I could see not only the tools he was supplying, but examples of them in use. There are also countless ideas within the pages to inspire, or at least there were for me. I can't wait to get writing again!

This is my first book by this great author but I know it will not be my last. I am sure I will be hunting down his previous works (and there are many) and inhaling those with the same curiosity, excitement and enthusiasm as I did with this.

I highly recommend this book. If you only buy one book on this subject, this gem of a book is the one to go for.

You can learn more about the author at http://www.ericmaisel.com/

You can also visit his site at http://www.tenzenseconds.com (A book I hope to also review here in the near future).

The Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel by Frank MacEowen

Published by New World Library

In The Celtic Way of Seeing, Frank MacEowen brings us a book that is a joy to read. It is a blend of myth and modern insight which brings the subject of meditation and self-discovery to life in a fantastic way. Whatever your spiritual tastes, this book has much to teach the reader, both by reading and the following of included meditations and exercises. It also includes very moving examples of the wheel at work from workshops and retreats that the author leads.

It is based on the Irish Spirit Wheel which is formed of the four directions -- North, South, East and West along with a Center. The author explains the qualities associated with these, which include:

• North: battle, informed warriorship, addiction, and the magic of conflict for transformation.
• South: music and art, sensuality, rhythms of nature, and the music and power of flowing water and waterfalls.
• East: hospitality for oneself and others, and generosity.
• West: knowledge and learning, longing for knowledge, and counsel and vision.
• Center: integrating these directions and finding sovereignty and wholeness.

Through the use of the history, myth, meditations, exercises and brilliantly inspiring questions for contemplation, the author helps us to discover the wheel and how to incorporate it into our daily lives for not only self discovery and spiritual enlightenment but also everyday problem solving and, my favourite aspect, how to become more in tune with the earth and all the sacred others that inhabit it.

Do you find yourself feeling so much more at peace with life when near the sounds of babbling/falling water? How about when you are going about your day and when you notice the beauty of your surroundings, you feel your spirit starting to soar? So many of these things came naturally to me, as they do to countless of us, but in this book I found so many answers as to why they affected me so much. It's surprising how much of this we actually do without realising consciously.

This is a brilliant book. I loved it and it is one that will be remaining close at hand for reference often as I practice this method. I found it easy to understand and I liked the way he describes the wheel as a map of the soul. It's a remarkably simple concept though the journey itself for each reader, will involve a great deal of self-exploration and honesty which is never easy. It is one of those books that encourages the reader to take all they have read and decide for themselves which parts are relevant for their own lives.

Well worth the read

Author's website: http://www.solasdana.org/